Blowing the whistle on racial discrimination cut short my career - Luther Burrell

Warning: This article includes descriptions of discriminatory language and conduct

Ex-England centre Luther Burrell claims that going public to reveal racial discrimination in professional rugby led his professional journey to an premature end.

In a June 2022, Burrell described racism as being "rife" in the sport, showing digital communications and remembering training ground "jokes" he had been subject to while playing for Newcastle.

At that time 34 and without a team, Burrell's only professional rugby since has been three appearances with guest team the Barbarians.

"I've have absolutely had to end my career because of what went on," he told media outlets.

"I wanted to carry on playing, naturally I did. I sought that, and it collapsed when word came out that there were inquiries underway.

"That was challenging - I had to just accept the outcome and understand that this entire situation is a lot bigger than me."

A rugby governing body investigation in April 2023 found Burrell's allegations were true "on the balance of probability", but stated it could not gather enough evidence to categorically say they happened at Newcastle.

Burrell told media he also faced prejudice within the England team environment, during a Test career that saw him earn 15 appearances after his first game in February 2014.

"I've had multiple traumatic experiences within the national team," he said.

"Some discrimination and other just old-school mentality that's really unacceptable."

Racism had become normalised in team environments, in Burrell's experience.

"It's something that has been disguised as humour and that's been the issue that I've myself experienced and seen," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican descent.

"Over a extended period you just learn to think that it's the norm and that is fine and that it's not malicious, but that's incorrect."

Burrell says he was eventually motivated to speak out after a team-mate at Newcastle called him as a "enslaved person" and told him to put sunscreen on his wrists and ankles "where your shackles were."

The rugby authority said Burrell's disclosures had led to "increased scrutiny at the environment within the elite game and to the introduction of an strategy for the elite level."

"The organization has placed significant attention on diversity and diversity in rugby union and a substantial amount of work completed both prior and since Luther Burrell came forward and shared his experiences of racism and class discrimination," it added.

"We are continuing work with clubs and partners in the elite level to strive for a environment of inclusivity but acknowledge this takes time and is an ongoing process."

Every Prem and women's rugby club now has face-to-face education on building welcoming cultures, with its success monitored via specific documentation and surveys.

All England players, including age-grade squads, are trained in being "active bystanders" to step in and protect others from harmful behaviour.

"You be so proud of what you have accomplished," Burrell's mother Joyce told him as part of the documentary Luther Burrell - Rugby, Racism and Redemption.

"I know it has had this impact on you and finished your playing days, but in our view, you have achieved so much. We are so proud of you and to have you as a family member."

Burrell's dad Geoff passed away soon after the filming of the film, and his sister passed away recently.

Burrell, who grew up on a council estate in his hometown, maintains his work to make the sport more accessible.

His 12 Foundation works to connect with children in under-served communities and help them succeed on and off the field with complimentary sports training, guidance and dietary education.

"My personal intentions are genuine, I want to see the progress of the sport and if others is willing to share their story then I'll persist to advocate for that cause because I'm not just doing this for my own benefit," he said.

"We have an obligation to make the game as great as it can be and the longer I talk about it hopefully the more confident fellow players will feel about sharing their personal stories as well.

"I take the challenge by the horns and keep bearing this banner and keep supporting this responsibility and do what I can to create opportunities and make the sport more appealing and more welcoming.

"There are a lot of underprivileged young people and a lot of poverty and I sincerely think that rugby has the potential to change their lives, just as it transformed things for me."